Dual premiership Kangaroo David King has warned Carlton is “not going far” in 2023 without a fully fit and firing Sam Walsh.

Walsh last month underwent back surgery that’s set to sideline the star midfielder for the start of next season in a big bow to Michael Voss’ side.

It comes after the Blues narrowly missed out on the finals last season, with higher expectations now on the club to challenge for the top four – and potentially a premiership – given the talent on its list including the last two Coleman medallists in Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow and reigning Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps.

But speaking on SEN, King believes Walsh, who claimed All-Australian and best and fairest honours in 2021, holds the key to Carlton contending next season.

“I think it’s all on Walsh – I think he’s their most important player,” King told SEN Afternoons.

“I know they’ve got some assets up forward and they’ve got the Brownlow Medallist, but this guy separates games. He is the spark player that they need, he’s the ball carrier and beautiful kick going inside 50.

“It’ll be critical how much football he misses and how he comes back.

“His first two or three weeks he’ll be given some grace, but they’ll almost have to do a mini pre-season for him in season.

“I guess we’ll wait and see, but he’s their most important player. They’re not going far without a fit and healthy Sam Walsh.”

The Blues confirmed Walsh’s back procedure involved the removal of a bulging disc portion to relieve pressure on a nerve.

The 22-year old is set to begin his rehab in the New Year and there’ll be a clearer time frame on his return early in the season.

“While Sam’s professionalism and resilience is well-known, we will absolutely give Sam all the time he needs to make a full recovery before he returns to the side during the season,” Blues football boss Brad Lloyd said last month.

“Due to the long-term nature of this rehabilitation, it isn’t possible to confirm a set date for his return right now. Once the opening month of the season has been completed though, we expect to be able to provide more clarity on his expected return to play.”

Walsh was expected to be sidelined for the first month of the 2022 season after a syndesmosis setback, but he made one of the quickest returns from the injury in coming back Round 2.